India v Pakistan predictions and cricket betting tips: Rahul to lead the charge

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for India v Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Cricket, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

KL Rahul top India runscorer
1pt 5-2 Betfair, PaddyPower

Match preview

Not since the 50-over World Cup in 2019 have rivals India and Pakistan locked horns in any format but they start their Super 12 campaigns against one another in a highly-anticipated match in Dubai.

And India, loaded with players used to conditions in the UAE from this term's Indian Premier League, are 8-15 favourites to win this game.

In captain Virat Kohli's final T20 World Cup as captain they are also expected to go all the way, with bookmakers rating the Men in Blue 2-1 in the outright market.

But contrary to initial plans, Kohli is no longer set to open the batting for India in the tournament and top-order firepower could instead come from KL Rahul.

Rahul has not enjoyed much game time for India's T20 side in 2021 but was sensational last year with 404 runs scored in the format.

And he was also one of the standout batsmen in the IPL this year with 626 runs in 13 matches for Punjab Kings.

He has warmed up for this tournament with knocks of 39 and 51 this month against Australia and England and is a worthwhile bet to top-score for his country.

In Sunday's other fixture, Sri Lanka are marginal favourites to edge a tight contest against Bangladesh in a clash where no tips stand out.

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